Strict new security measures were put in place that include pat-downs of passengers. INSIDE EDITION sent two of our reporters to find out what a pat-down is like.
Airport security is tougher than ever.
Recently announced rules include pat-downs for all airline passengers flying into the U.S. who are citizens of "countries of interest," most from the Muslim world.
What can travelers expect from a pat-down? INSIDE EDITION's Megan Alexander and Les Trent found out.
Trent received his pat-down from security expert Patrick Brosnan who showed that a pat down for a man includes the groin area. Alexander's pat-down from a female security expert included under the bra area and around the groin.
American citizens flying into the U.S. from overseas will now receive random pat-downs. But 100 percent of passengers arriving from 14 foreign nations will have to undergo "enhanced screening," including pat downs or full body scans and a thorough search of carry-on luggage. The countries are Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, and four countries considered sponsors of terrorism: Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria.
But some experts believe even a pat-down might not have turned up the explosives Nigerian terror suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab hid in his underwear.
Brosnan points out if someone is going to try to conceal something from airport security, they're not going to hide it on their chest, under their arm, or around their ankle where they know they will definitely be searched. It is likely the individual would conceal something in their groin area.
Others are expressing privacy concerns about pat-downs. Welcome to a whole new era of airport security.
